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Next stop Kilimanjaro!

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Joshua plans a second record breaking climb

BY MICHELLE CREAN

A little six-year-old Killarney boy - who is believed to have set a world record for climbing North Africa’s highest mountain - now plans to climb Kilimanjaro next year!
Joshua Davison (6) from Countess Road, scaled the 4,000 metre climb of Mount Toubkal in Morocco, with his mom Lyndsey Clarke and her partner Lucky Flynn, on November 9.
And he's believed to be the youngest child ever to complete the summit.
“He is really a natural,” his mom Lyndsey, an avid climber, told the Killarney Advertiser.
“It’s a really good achievement and he loved it. We just said we’d see how it went - but he surprised us. He’s very fast - a speedy little fella and he loved the experience. He’s really keen to do more and has his sights set on Kilimanjaro next year.”
Joshua, who is a pupil in St Oliver’s National School in Killarney, caught the climbing bug from both Lyndsey and Lucky.
The couple are keen climbers and Joshua’s first climb was The Vee in Waterford followed by Carrantuohill - Ireland’s highest mountain - at just over 1,000 metres.
“I started taking him around The Vee and then we climbed Carrantuohill and he loved it - especially the Devil’s Ladder. Then we said we’d try something bigger.
“In Morocco the first day was a trek of 3,000 metres and then we spent the night in a refuge. He was the only child, even going up the summit the next day people were stopping taking pictures and encouraging him.”
She described the summit as a steep snow slope and they adjusted adult crampons for Joshua’s shoes to give him a firm grip.
However, she said as the weather was sunny it made the climb easier.
“We went with no expectations. I was worried it might be cold for him but it was perfect sunny weather. He really is a natural - he’s big and strong for his age. He is the youngest to climb Toubkal and we’ve submitted it to the Guinness World Records. We are just waiting for confirmation. Next year we’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro which is 5,800 metres high. It’s the next most achievable goal."

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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